Comment Following the successful opening of the first true street tramway in the British Isles (Birkenhead Street Railway) in 1860 by the American promoter and entrepreneur George Francis Train, he then moved quickly to bring his ideas to the capital. Against much opposition, he opened three separate lines, each approximately one mile in length. These were operated by the Marble Arch Street Rail Company, the Westminster Street Rail Company, and the Surrey Side Street Rail Company. All three lines were to close within 15 months of the first opening. It is assumed that the above button was issued to staff of the aforementioned companies, though no firm evidence exists to support this.